Jeff dropped in to see her sometimes when he took a break, or had an appointment nearby, and whenever possible, he'd take her out to lunch. Sometimes they even disappeared mysteriously to her house in Beverly Hills at lunch time. And when she'd return to the office afterward, she had to force herself to look serious and concentrate on working. All she could think about was Jeff. She had never been this happy. They seemed to be perfectly suited to each other, they liked the same things, the same books, shared many of the same ideas and interests. He was always kind and flexible, and he had a wonderful sense of humor.
And after their first week of bliss, most of which they spent in Malibu at his cozy house, Allegra suggested he come to dinner at her parents'. She still hadn't told them about breaking up with Brandon.
Are you sure? He looked somewhat cautious. Jeff was crazy about her, but he didn't want to push things. He knew how close she was to her family, and he was afraid that his appearance with her might be viewed as an intrusion.
Don't be silly, my mom loves us to bring friends. She always had, from the time they were kids, until they were adults. They liked having their children's friends around and always made them feel welcome.
They're awfully busy people. He felt hesitant and a little nervous about getting their approval. Meeting parents had never been one of his favorite pastimes, and at his age, it made him feel a little foolish.
And I know they'd love to meet you, she said warmly, and eventually, she talked him into coming to dinner on Friday night, despite all his apprehensions.
He was wearing a blazer and slacks when he picked her up, and he looked very much the way he had when she'd met him in New York. Conservative and respectable, and very handsome. And she smiled at him as they drove to Bel Air. He actually looked nervous.
Is this because of who my father is? she teased, or just because they're my parents? It was kind of like being sixteen again and it actually amused her. She knew they were going to love Jeff, even more so since they'd hated Brandon. Her father had been indifferent to him but her mother had really disliked him. She had seen right through him.
Jeff smiled at her as they drove through Bel Air. I keep remembering how I felt when I sent my first book to him. What if he thinks that's why I'm back? Jeff looked like a kid as she laughed at him, and gave him directions.
I think he'll be able to figure it out. If not, my mother will explain it to him. She's pretty savvy.
It was an apt description of her, and Blaire was poring over the plans for the new kitchen when they arrived. They were spread all over the living room floor, and she was on her hands and knees, explaining them to Simon.
Blaire looked up, with a pencil in her hair, and smiled warmly at her older daughter. And then she looked surprised when she noticed her escort, but she made no comment.
Hi, darling, I'm showing Dad what the new kitchen will look like, she said, smiling up at Allegra, and then she stood up as Allegra introduced Jeff. She had said she was bringing someone to dinner with her, and Blaire had just assumed it was Brandon. Blaire carefully hid her surprise, but she was obviously curious about Allegra's companion and dying to ask her about him.
Simon stood up and kissed his daughter with a woebegone grin. She's showing me what the hole in our backyard will look like for six months, and the empty room at the back of the house where we used to have breakfast. It's going to be a disaster here this summer. And then he introduced himself to Jeff with a casual look of interest. He liked the fact that Jeff had a warm smile and a powerful handshake.
We met a year ago, Jeff explained. You were kind enough to see me about a screenplay I wanted to write from a book I'd written, Birds of Summer. I'm sure you see so many you can't remember, he said, looking unassuming and pleasant.
Actually, I do remember. Simon nodded his head pensively and smiled. Your ideas for the screenplay were very good, but the outline needed more work, as I recall. What book doesn't?
I've been working on it ever since, Jeff said ruefully, and then shook Allegra's mother's hand politely. He had been carefully brought up, and it showed as Allegra watched him.
Sam joined them after that, and they sat and talked for a while before going in to dinner, about Jeff's career, their new kitchen, and Hollywood vs. New York. Jeff had to admit that he missed the New York life, but there were a lot of things about living in California that he found very appealing. Allegra most of all. He had originally planned to stay for a year, and go back to New York to write his next book. He had even thought of moving to New England or Cape Cod. But before he went anywhere he had to make his movie in May and probably wouldn't be finished till September. But Allegra looked faintly concerned as he explained his plans. She'd had no idea until then that he might be leaving to move back East again and she looked crestfallen as she listened.
That's not good news, Allegra said softly as they went in to dinner. It upset her to think of his leaving now, so soon after they'd met, and everything was going so smoothly.
I can be talked out of it, he whispered, and his lips brushed her neck reassuringly.
I hope so, she answered.
And all through dinner Allegra was amused to see her mother watching them. She wanted to know who he was, and where he'd been, where Brandon was, and what this man meant to Allegra. But as long as Jeff was there, there was no way Blaire could ask her. The group was very congenial, and Allegra noticed Sam looking Jeff over as well, and afterward when they went back to the living room, her mother finally cornered her and asked some questions.
Is there something different in your life, Allegra? she asked, when Jeff went outside for a brief walk with Simon to talk about the movie business. They were talking about unions, and production values, and problems, and Blaire smiled into her daughter's eyes. She wanted to know the whole story. She had obviously missed several chapters.
What do you mean, Mom? Allegra played her along and the two women laughed, as Sam rolled her eyes. It was easy to figure out he was crazy about Allegra.
I never thought we'd see the end of Brandon, her mother said. Is he in San Francisco this weekend, or does this mean what I think it does? She didn't dare be too hopeful.
Possibly. Allegra looked like a blonde Mona Lisa. She wasn't giving anything up yet. It was too soon to issue statements. She had just wanted them to meet him.
You could have said something, Blaire chided her, as Sam lay down on the couch. She was exhausted, and she thought her sister's love life was boring, although she liked Jeff a lot better than Brandon.
He's a lot cuter than Brandon, Sam pronounced with polite interest. So what happened, Allie? Did Brandon dump you?
That's no way to ask. Blaire frowned, and then turned back to Allegra. What did happen, dear? She couldn't resist the urge to ask the question. She hoped it was nothing too unpleasant. She was just pleased that he was gone, or seemed to be. She had never thought he had really cared about Allegra. He had always seemed so indifferent to her, and so aloof, even disapproving, and the fact that he never got divorced had really disturbed them.
I guess it was just time, she said cryptically.
How long's it been? Sam asked, curious. She sensed that there was more than Allegra was telling.
A few weeks. I met Jeff in New York. She decided to throw them a bone and her mother looked pleased. She liked him, and so did Simon.
He's very good-looking, Blaire said easily, and a few minutes later, he and Simon came back in, and they were still deep in conversation about Jeff's movie.
I'd like to see your new book sometime, Simon said seriously. Actually, I'll buy it. It just came out, didn't it?
It's been out for a while. I just finished a brief publicity tour. I don't see how you have time to read, with everything you do, he said, impressed by their conversation.